Kubica reveals identity of his preferred replacement

A source close to Crash.net has revealed that injured Lotus Renault GP star Robert Kubica has named the driver he would like to see stand in for him at the Enstone-based outfit in F1 2011

Robert Kubica has revealed who he would like to see substituting for him at Lotus Renault GP this year, Crash.net has learned – and the answer may surprise.

Kubica is currently recovering in hospital in Italy following his high-speed rallying accident on the Ronde di Andora nine days ago that left him with a broken arm, broken leg and – most worryingly of all – a partially-severed hand.

Whilst there have been varying reports as to the Pole's condition as he continues to undergo surger, a source close to Crash.net has informed us that Kubica has been visited in hospital by a key member of Lotus Renault GP and asked who he would rather drive his car this season.

Although former BMW-Sauber team-mate Nick Heidfeld is seen as the hot favourite to occupy the cockpit – particularly in the light of the experienced German's outstanding testing debut for the team at Jerez on Saturday, our source claims that Kubica has said he would prefer to be replaced by Force India F1 refugee Vitantonio Liuzzi, whom he considers to be a better racer out of the pair. The 26-year-old is friends with both.

An announcement confirming Heidfeld had been expected from Lotus Renault GP yesterday (Monday), but no news was forthcoming – raising speculation that the Enstone-based concern may yet be set to try out Liuzzi and possibly also Pedro de la Rosa during testing in Barcelona later this week before coming to a final decision about who will partner Vitaly Petrov in F1 2011.

Source: Crash.net

Heidfeld excited at F1 return

Nick Heidfeld has expressed his excitement at getting back into Formula One, especially with the first race back being the Singapore Grand Prix.

"I can't wait to get back in the race car," said Heidfeld. "I'm not just very much looking forward to going racing again, as I regard it as a special bonus that my first race will be the Singapore Grand Prix. Two years ago this race immediately became one of my favourites."

Sauber has turned to Heidfeld as the replacement for Pedro de la Rosa for the remainder of the 2010 season and he is expecting the car to perform well this weekend.

"Of course I can hardly imagine how the circuit will suit the car as I haven't driven it yet, but according to everything I saw and from what I have heard, the performance should be better in Singapore compared to Monza. Another positive thing is we found out I probably can use my seat from last year.

"This does not only save a lot of work, but it also gives me a good feeling because it was a very good seat and normally you have to do a lot of fine tuning until it fits that well. I'm also very much looking forward to really getting to know James Key and my team-mate, Kamui [Kobayashi], and working with both of them."

Source: ESPNF1

Yamamoto replaces Senna for British Grand Prix

According to sources in the Silverstone paddock on Thursday evening, Hispania Racing test and reserve driver Sakon Yamamoto is set to replace regular racer Bruno Senna for this weekend’s British Grand Prix.

Yamamoto first joined a Formula 1 event as a third driver for Jordan at the 2005 Japanese Grand Prix before switching to Super Aguri and competing in seven races the following year.

In 2007 came a move to Spyker and the subbing of The Netherlands’ Christijan Albers from the Hungarian Grand Prix onwards.

Having joined HRT earlier in 2010, the Aichi man replaced Senna in Friday’s first practice session in Istanbul.

Source: GP Update

'Raikkonen will return when Webber quits'

Kimi Raikkonen will reportedly return to Formula One at the end of this season, replacing Mark Webber at Red Bull Racing.

According to Germany's Bild, Webber 'allegedly... wants to withdraw after the 2010 season', leaving a race-seat open at Red Bull.

And the man they are tipping to take Webber's place is Raikkonen.

The Finn quit Formula One in favour of the World Rally Championship after failing to land a drive with McLaren for the 2010 season.

However, Raikkonen has made it clear that his foray into rallying doesn't mean he's done with F1 forever.

In fact, Bild claims he will be back as early as next year, stepping up to take Webber's vacated Red Bull seat.

Source: Planet F1

[Note: I must say, Bild isn't such a reliable source... it's a tabloid like "The Sun", but the idea of Kimi returning to F1 beside Seb Vettel is appealing, at least to me, what do you think?]